Semi-official ASUS P5B Premium Vista thread

[WoundedWallet]

I took the plunge yesterday and it should be here today or tomorrow. (Crossing fingers)

Since it is a brand old board with new components I expect some problems but not a ton of them. (Crossing toes and my Crossairs 6400)

Aside from the JMB controller it looks purfect to me. But I think I have managed to tame the controller on my AB9 so I don't expect too much hassle from it.

I can't wait to see all the goodies working....

CPU
LGA775 socket for Intel® Core?2 Quad/ Core?2 Extreme / Core?2 Duo / Pentium® Extreme / Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 / Celeron® D Processors. Compatible with Intel® 05B/05A/06 processors.

Chipset
Intel® P965 / ICH8R

Front Side Bus
1066 / 800 / 533 MHz

Memory
4 x DIMM, max. 8GB, DDR2 800 / 667 / 533 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory

Expansion Slots
2 x PCI-E x16 (blue @ x16 mode, black @ x2 or x4 mode) supports CrossFire Technology
1 x PCI-E x1 (x1 or disabled mode)
3 x PCI 2.2

Storage
Southbridge
- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports
- Intel Matrix Storage Technology supports RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10
JMicron® JMB363 PATA and SATA controller
- 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 for up to 2 PATA devices
- 1 x Internal SATA 3.0 Gb/s port
- 1 x External SATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA On-the-Go)
- Supports SATA RAID 0, 1 and JBOD (by 1x External SATA & 1x Internal SATA)

LAN
Dual Gigabit LAN controllers, both featuring AI NET2
Marvell® PCI-E and PCI Gigabit LAN controllers

Audio
ADI® AD1988B 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC
- Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF out ports at back I/O

IEEE 1394
TI® 1394a controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports (one at midboard; one at back panel)

USB
8 x USB2.0 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at back panel)

ASUS AI Lifestyle Features
ASUS AI Lifestyle Vista Edition Features:
- ScreenDUO
- ASAP
- AI Remote
- AP Trigger
- TPM suuport (The TPM module is purchased separately)
* ScreenDUO, AI Remote, ASAP, AP Trigger and TPM can run both in Windows Vista and Windows XP
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:
- ASUS AI Gear - ASUS AI Nap
- ASUS 8-Phase Power Design
- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe solution & Stack Cool 2
- ASUS Q-Fan 2
- ASUS Optional Fan for Water-cooling or Passive-Cooling only
ASUS Crystal Sound:
- ASUS Noise Filter
- ASUS Array Mic
ASUS EZ DIY:
- ASUS Q-Connector
- ASUS O.C. Profile
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS Power LED

Special Features
ASUS MyLogo2?
Multi-language BIOS

Overclocking Features
Intelligent overclocking tools:
- AI NOS? (Non-delay Overclocking System)
- AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)
- ASUS AI Booster utility
Precision Tweaker:
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125V increment
- vDIMM: 13-step DRAM voltage control
- vChipset: 4-step Chipset voltage control
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)
- FSB tuning from 100MHz up to 650MHz at 1MHz increment
- Memory tuning from 533MHz up to 1066MHz
- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 150MHz at 1MHz increment
Overclocking Protection:
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)

Back Panel I/O Ports
1 x PS/2 Keyboard
1 x PS/2 Mouse
1 x Serial port
1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial + Optical)
1 x External SATA
1 x IEEE1394a
2 x RJ45 port
4 x USB 2.0/1.1
8-Channel Audio I/O

Internal I/O Connectors
2 x USB connectors support additional 4 USB ports
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector
1 x TPM connector
7 x SATA connectors
1 x CPU Fan connector
3 x Chassis Fan connector
1 x Power Fan connector
1 x IEEE1394a connector
Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out Header
Chassis Intrusion connector
CD audio in
24-pin ATX Power connector
2 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector
System Panel

BIOS
8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.3, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

Manageability
WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE

Accessories
ScreenDUO
AI Remote
UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable
FDD cable
SATA cables
SATA power cables
I/O Shield
User's manual
USB2.0 port module
3 in 1 Q-connector
IEEE1394 port module
Optional Fan for Water-Cooling or Passive-Cooling only
Array Mic

Support CD
Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
ASUS AI Suite
Anti-virus software (OEM version)

Form Factor
ATX Form Factor, 12"x 9.6" (30.5cm x 24.4cm)

 

[Wino]

I was looking at this board as a possiblity, but I can't see myself using the ScreenDUO as I never turn off my computer. Can anyone think of a use for the ScreenDUO besides checking things while in sleep mode?

 

[WoundedWallet]

rss feeds

 

[WoundedWallet]

From NCIX.com
"The ScreenDUO synchronizes information from the PC or websites; displays RSS messages; meeting schedules and other important information. This saves you the time and the hassle to turn on your PC each time you wanted to view vital information."

more info here

 

[gorka]

I'm stilll deciding between this and the QuadGT.

I would have gotten the QuadGT already, if the BIOS wasn't such a mess. Hurry up with the BETA Abit!

 

[WoundedWallet]

The one I'm dumping is the AB9, and it is not because of the bareness. But because the darn thing does boot or reboot without me switching the PS on/off. The infamous 2A error.

Abit has known about this problem since at least bios 4 and it is still unresolved now on bios 16. Their CS does not answer emails and now their website forum has been off the air since Monday.

I'm not gonna say for you to go with the Asus yet as I just received it and I can't vouch for it yet. But I'll say for you not to go with the Abit because they haven't managed to get their schit together yet.

Anyway, wish me luck. I'm going to transplant a RAID array. Hopefully I'll be back in a few hours.

PB5PV here I come....

 

[WoundedWallet]

Well... the weirdest thing happened.

The Jmicron chipset didn't do so well. I got a bsod for unaccessible boot device. Even tough it was in a JMB controller before.

Then I put a serial adapter on the HD and changed it to the Intel SATA ports and everything is fine now.

Now I'm trying to figure out how to get the RAID 1 working without reinstalling everything. I need another adapter to try the SATA RAID.

Besides that, the JMB didn't allow me to create a RAID with the existing HD even though it recognized them.

I'm at a loss right now, but it's late and all I can think is hitting the sack.

If anybody with experience on JMB and P5B problems can shed me a clue I'll appreciate.

WW

 

[WoundedWallet]

Ok, I think I figured it out. On the AB9 the JMB controller only allowed RAID out of the IDE port. On the PB5 it is out of the eSATA port. Nothing like RTFM.

Since one of my ide/sata adapters is broken, I'm off to fry's now.

Another small problem is with the CD. When I install the audio drivers the installation stops complaining about a missing file on the CD. If that's all the problems I face, I'll be a happy camper. but I haven't installed the duo screen nor the IR remote....

keep wishing me luck... even ifitisin™ silence.

 

[maeshughes]

I have this board and I just don't bother with the JMicron controller at all. I have a SATA DVD burner and I have an eSATA drive but I hook it up to an internal ICH8R SATA port via the bracket that was included with my enclosure.

As for the onboard sound, I just don't believe in it. If you spend a bunch of money on high end parts then you can spend 25 bucks for an Audigy SE at the very least. Onboard sound is horrible and uses CPU resources which means lower fps in games. I have an Audigy2 ZS that I payed 70 bucks for 3 years ago and it still gives me great sound, I just transfer it every time i build myself a new rig.

 

[WoundedWallet]

Well I like to live dangerously (aka "I'm bored") so I enabled JMB IDE for my cdrws even tough I also have a sata dvd burner. So far no real probs.

About the onboard sound, I don't know if it is because and I can't hear too well anymore (second thing that goes with age), but the last sound card I bought was before they started coming onboard. So even tough I haven't had the pleasure to hear it yet, I'm sure it will be fine for me. I don't worry about fps, I can't see the seconds hand anymore...

But I do worry about the horrible software that Asus gave me. The sound driver was just a sign of things to come. Installing the Scren DUO was a nightmare.

When the autorun starts up, it gives a warning about installing the drivers first. I don't know if it is because I pluged the screen in first and Vista installed its own drivers but the whole process was a mess. In between Vista refusing to allow unsigned drivers and a setup program that is not very smart I don't know what was more aggravating.

On a good note, the remote thing works great. And I can restart the board as much as I want unlike the Abit AB9.

edited out of embarassment

 

[WoundedWallet]

cough! cough! I just made an ass of myself and nobody stopped me. :| Thankfully I am able to edit older posts. So my apologies to those who had the displeasure of reading it before I edited.

Just in case, I did figure out how to make the screenduo work, now I need to learn how to use it. Pretty rough to figure out without a manual. If anybody knows please chip in.

As of right now the board is flawless. I'm mildly ocing it until I figure out this BIOS. My E6400 is running at 2400 with no adjustments whatsoever. The only thing I haven't tested is that superbeam thingy (a speakerphone?).

I'm happy with this board.

 

[renethx]

Note that only 6 USB 2.0 ports are available in this board, two in the back panel and four at mid-board. Among the ten USB 2.0 ports in ICH8R, USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4 are reserved for ScreenDUO and IR receiver, USB 2.0 ports 9 and 10 for ASAP.

 

[hardwareking]

have u installed vista yet?
If/whenever u do,please post how the built-in ready boost flash memory effects performance?
How much did it cost u?

 

[WoundedWallet]

Good point on the USB ports. I'm also using an older USB card with three extra ports to help in this area. I'm actually looking for another one that has at least two regular internal ports (the ones with pins) so I can connect my card reader.

Regarding the ASAP, I'm not noticing any speed gain when compared to the AB9. Not sure if is is worth the two missing usb ports.

The board cost me $259, but I have a feeling it is at least two year board like my late nf7. Feature wise I mean, who knows anymore about asus QC these days...

BTW, the screenduo thing started working on its own. Maybe it needed a reboot or something. What I haven't managed to do however is having it working with the computer asleep. A manual would go a long way with this gizmo.

 

[maeshughes]

My ScreenDuo came with a manual so maybe you should check your box again or call Asus to get a replacement one. They haven't posted a pdf version on the Asus website yet, but will probably do so soon. I'm running Windows XP and the ScreenDuo works fine with it. I don't really use most of the features on it, I just like being able to use the hardware monitor feature to see temps while I'm playing a game.

True that USB ports 9 and 10 are used up by the ASAP, but I really would never use them since Asus only gives you one extra USB bracket (ports 5 and 6) and my case has only one pair of USB ports (ports 7 and 8) so it's not a problem for me. To correct an earlier post, only the AI Remote needs to be plugged into USB port 3 or 4, the ScreenDuo can be plugged into any USB port

So far this board is very solid and stable. I'm running an E6400 @ 2.66GHz (333FSB DDR2-833). I could OC a lot more (I tried 3GHz without a problem), but for now this is more than enough for me and it allows me to have idle temps in the 30s instead of in the 40s with my CoolerMaster HyperTX. Once the Arctic Silver 5 fully sets in I may OC a bit more but I doubt it.

The only small hiccup I had was that the computer would start booting itself up about 5-10 minutes after I would shut it down. This problem was apparently due to the AI Remote so right now I unplugged the IR dongle and uninstalled the software and my computer now stays off. I'll try and set it up again at a later time. The AI Remote was pretty cool though since you could use it to control Winamp and such. My only other very minor complaint about the board is that when I was trying to figure out what was causing my computer to boot itself back up, I tried clearing the CMOS and the CMOS jumper is not very accessible. I have a dual slot GPU (8800GTS) and the jumper was right underneath it, luckily my case has a removable harddrive cage and so I took it out and was then able to slide my hand under my graphics card to reach the jumper. Some people might actually have to remove their graphics card to access it.

All in All I'm very happy with this board so far.

System Specs:
Thermaltake Tsunami VA3000BWA Aluminum Case
Thermaltake 700W Modular PSU
Asus P5B Premium Vista Edition
Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 @ 2.66GHz
CoolerMaster Hyper TX HSF
2GB Corsair XMS2 PC6400 DDR2-800
eVGA 8800GTS Superclocked 320MB
SoundBlaster Audigy2 ZS
Asus DRW-1814BLT SATA DVD Burner

 

[WoundedWallet]

Thanks maeshughes. I'll start looking for the pdf soon.

I think I had some weird bug on my first installation, where one of the buttons on the gadget was actually deleting the gadgets I had listed. After i uninstalled all Asus programs, the DUO install went fine. No special permissions needed.

Now I'm working on understanding the bios. Is there a thread somewhere that explains all the choices, or at least the most important ones for overclocking?

Also, are you having problems waking it up from sleep. My video doesn't come back. I've installed one of the vista updates today that was related to nvidia, but I haven't tried to put it to sleep since, so that may be not be a problem anymore. I hope.

We got the same cpu and ram, but the rest of your stuff is higher class than mine . Only beat you in the extra gig of ram. That sonafbeach Vista was using 1.3GB with nothing special going on. One lousy photo in PS and a few browser windows open. This Vista is rammy monster

BTW, I found a Rosewill USB adapter here that allows for another front panel connection if anybody is looking for one.

 

[TBSN]

Can anyone tell me, (or link something), what is the difference between this board and the P5B-Deluxe?

I looked at the specs briefly and it looked basically the same, but there seem to be some interesting features on this one that I don't know anything about....

 

[sorahl]

Hey, PLEASE share how you got the duo to work in vista.
I can't find a damn thing on ASUS website, can't register cuz my serial # is NOT on my box from newegg and i'm about ready to spit
i got the driver installed but as you had the software wont saying i need to install the driver
vista sees the screenduo but all the gadges are not compatible.
thanks for your help!

 

[sorahl]

they are similar. There is one lese pci-e slot on the p5b than on the other. It is not listed but the p5b prem is Crossfire ready, but i only found that out in the manual.

 

[maeshughes]

TBSN~ The P5B Premium is a slightly upgraded P5B Deluxe. The biggest improvement is that the Premium features 100% solid capacitors for better stability and longer lifespan. The other added features are Windows Vista related, There's 512MB of ReadyBoost on board, There's a SideShow LCD called ScreenDuo (LCD is included) and there's an AI Remote (also included) that lets you turn on/off your PC and control various apps. The ScreenDuo and AI Remote work fine in Windows XP though.

sorahl~ I thought my box didn't have a serial number on it either at first, it's because the serial number is actually located on the shiny cardboard sleeve part.

 

[RancorFett]

I am about to buy this MB. Right now I have a P5N32 -SLI Deluxe that doesn't like to post (Have to hit reset 5 - 10 times to get it to work):disgust:
I have never used the following on a MB.

JMicron® JMB363 PATA and SATA controller
- 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 for up to 2 PATA devices
- 1 x Internal SATA 3.0 Gb/s port
- 1 x External SATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA On-the-Go)
- Supports SATA RAID 0, 1 and JBOD (by 1x External SATA & 1x Internal SATA)

How hard is it to get this
JMicron® JMB363 PATA and SATA controller to work. I have heard people say not to buy this board for this reason only.

Please Help

 

[sorahl]

is it made of pin holes?
sorry i'f i'm being stupid...

 

[RancorFett]

Originally posted by: sorahl
is it made of pin holes?

Ok new one on me

 

[ssj4megaman]

I bought this board about 2 days ago and have had some issue's with it... i fixed one but they were...
1. The board would boot up fine but anytime i tried to oc just a bit (increase fsb from 266 to 333) on my core 2 duo 6300 the board would reboot (that is normal i guess) but it wouldn't boot. You would hear my vid card fan start up full speed then spin down to quiet, which happends normally everytime i turn on my computer, but after i tried any type of oc and restarted, it would spin up and not spin down and the monitor wouldnt get any input from the vid card.

I would have to turn off the computer and kill the power to the psu to get it to stop doing that.

2. So when i did that, i can then boot up the board and it would say cpu overclock failed, well it kept doing that even AFTER i reset the cmos multiple times and told the bios to reset to defaults. Even after all that it would still say overclock bad even when i wasnt overclocking anymore so i thought it might be the powersupply..... anyway i got a new power supply... the termatake toughpower 700 watt and i can finally boot up without that issue, but i still cannot overclock.

i set the fsb to 333, and on reboot it just full power's my vid card fan and sits there.
kill power to psu and it will say oc failed but it will let me go in the bios and reset fine.

 

[WoundedWallet]

About overclocking, I found this page at xtremesystems that helped me with my settings.

It turned out that I got my system running at 3200 with less than the default voltage (1.3v) and at 50 degrees idle. Room temp was 75. I'm still impressed.

The main problem I have now is stopping the damned system form starting up thru the keyboard. I've changed the Boot settings in the BIOS as well as the keyboard setting in device manager. But every time I move the keyboard the system comes up. Mind you this is not when I put the system to sleep, but after I shut down the whole thing. Anybody heard of something similar?

The other problem is that I can't get the computer to wake up right. The computer wakes up but doesn't open its eyes....